2. digital
  3. 1203470222

On the Fence with Analog Vs. Digital. Need Help

Out of the blue I've been considering switching to vinyl. Most likely the reason for this is that my digital source is only an NAD T532 DVD player (ran into 2 NAD C 272 amps, NAD C162 Preamp or Adcom GFP-750 Preamp, Paradigm Studio 60 v3). The sound to me has been relatively harsh and just does not sound natural. My friend also let me borrow his Cambridge Audio Acur D540 player; it has its strengths against the T532, but can still sound bright and edgy. Granted neither of these players are ones to base a good overall analysis of digital sound reproduction on, the prospect of smooth fully analog sound is interesting to me. I've heard LPs before, but only on sub-par playback systems where the albums sounded grainy. So now the question is: do I spend $500 on a new Music Hall MMF-5 turntable and start investing in an entirely new music collection (I own about 3 LPs) to get this smooth sound that I am seeking, or is there a modestly priced CD player or external DAC out there that can achieve a smooth, lifelike sound with my current set up?

I've considered going with an external DAC and a computer-based album storage solution, but from what I've been reading and from what I've noticed listening to more expensive CD players ($3000+), it seems as though you really need to get up around that price range before digital begins to sound smoother and more analog. Right now I don't have $3000 to drop on a DAC/CD Player; it's a little easier to come up with the $500 for the Music Hall and gradually build the LP collection. So that's my dilema. I'm so close to saying "screw digital" and just taking the plunge. I might like, I might hate. Who knows.
jwglista
mariasplunge
174 posts
 
From my experience, entering and breaking ground in the vinyl arena is expensive! I had the funds and commitment to do so but I ended up spending way more than I predicted. So beware!
That said, the arrival is made so much sweater by the journey and I can truly say the arrival into great vinyl playback has been extraordinary.

I'm not familiar with your components so I can't comment on their sound or on ways to improve that sound. One thing you said though-"it seems as though you really need to get up around that price range before digital begins to sound smoother and more analog." struck me.

It seems like your ready for something different so I say go for it, but budget twice as much as you expected. Switching media is an additional and addictive expense.

Good Luck!
calbrs03
184 posts
 
There's the phono stage to buy. The cartridge to buy. The leveling devices and force gauges to buy. The leveling tweaks and isolation devices to buy. There's the RCM to buy. The cleaners and brushes to buy. There's the interconnects to buy. There's the time to set everything up, time which you will never get back. Then you have the LPs to buy. Then you have to buy again those things that don't work their advertised charm in your system. It's a time consuming process, and in the end, it will probably cost you close to 3k. Well, all right, 3k may be an exageration--or, worst case scenario, a gross underestimation--but you always want the best you can buy, and often the best does make a difference. I'm closing in on that range, and I'm just starting, too. I have a much larger LP collection, but it's the equipment that's so dear.

On the other hand, the sound is better. I don't know what that quality is, but it is audible. It's richer, I guess. But it's not head over heels better than digital. In short, records are more tactile: things touch each other and, therefore, they radiate their eccentricities, which humans have an uncanny ability to embrace and endear. The record playing endeavor is very human.

My two cents: Keep building your cd collection and work slowly toward the analog end. Don't do it all at once. Look for a very good table, then a good phono stage and finally a decent cartridge. Then buy peripherals, the things that keep your records clean. In the meantime, where ever and when ever you can, buy LPs--it's the best part. Last on the list are ICs. When you have a system, you'll probably wonder why you didn't go for it sooner, but you won't know that until you try, and there's the pity. (Plenty of wise, well-intentioned members of this forum tried to dissuade me, to no avail) Whatever your decision, have fun with it..
honest1
586 posts
 
Make sure the music you want to hear is available on vinyl. Also take into acount the lack of convenience - skipping tracks, playing more than 25 minutes without getting up, not worrying about falling asleep and letting the cartridge bump against the label 33 times a minute for 4 hours, etc. I'm not saying don't do it, just make an informed decision.
More to discover